Press Release

ENGLISH TESTS

8 April 2008

Commenting on the number of Key Stage 3 English tests that need re marking Christine Blower, Acting General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, Europe’s largest teaching union said:

“These tests have always been unnecessary. Not only are they unreliable but there is the additional problem of the cost occurred when the tests are returned for re marking.

“The very large numbers of appeals indicates a significant problem. Schools will appeal if there is any hint of inaccuracy in the marking simply because their future relies on the results.

“The pressures of testing run a very great risk of removing any creativity in the teaching of English.

“Teachers’ own assessments have been shown to be more thorough and accurate than imposed tests. The government needs to go the extra mile and thoroughly reform testing and assessment. This has been something long wished for by parents and teachers alike”.